Keyton has welcomed Whitehorse City Council's unanimous decision to approve its VerSo Place development in Vermont South, marking a major milestone for one of Melbourne's most significant new retirement living communities.
"This unanimous decision is a strong vote of confidence in our vision for VerSo Place and in the way we've approached this project from day one," said Keyton Chief Executive Officer Nathan Cockerill.
"We're grateful to Council for its considered assessment and for recognising the quality, care and long‑term value this development will bring to the local community."
VerSo Place will be delivered as a thoughtfully staged development, with a strong emphasis on design quality, sustainability and connection to place. The project has been shaped through extensive consultation and planning, including refinements to address community feedback raised during the planning process.
"We received some objections to our proposal from our neighbours during the DA process and worked proactively with them to address the concerns raised.
"We listened and responded constructively and made changes around access, landscaping and the integration of the village with its surrounds."
"This approval reflects that process. It shows what's possible when developers, councils and communities engage respectfully and with a shared focus on good outcomes," he said.
Mr Cockerill said VerSo Place represents a new benchmark for how Keyton approaches retirement living, not as a standalone project, but as part of the fabric of an established neighbourhood.
"From the adaptive reuse of the heritage building to the way homes and shared spaces are oriented to the landscape, this is about creating a community that feels authentic and enduring."
With planning approval secured, Keyton will continue early works and progress the next phases of the project in line with its staged delivery program.
"Reaching this point is a significant moment, but it's also the start of the next chapter.
"We're looking forward to moving ahead, keeping our communication and community engagement open, and delivering a development at VerSo Place everyone can be proud of," Mr Cockerill said.
About us:
Keyton is a leading owner and operator of independent retirement living communities in Australia with more than 65 villages nationally and 15,000 residents across the country. Keyton has over 30 years' experience in the market and an ongoing commitment to creating communities and care for residents.
